Acropora tenuis, commonly known as Acropora Tenuis, is a species of hard coral found in tropical and subtropical waters. It is a branching coral with a delicate appearance, characterized by its thin, slender branches and its intricate structure. It is an important component of coral reef ecosystems, providing habitat and shelter for a variety of marine organisms.
Description & Characteristics
Acropora tenuis is a branching coral with a delicate appearance. Its branches are thin and slender, often with a slightly flattened shape. The corallite, or individual polyp, is small and has a slightly protruding lip. The color of Acropora tenuis can vary, ranging from pale brown to bright yellow. It is typically found in colonies that can grow to be quite large, often reaching several meters in diameter.
Habitat and Occurrence
Acropora tenuis is a common coral species found in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean. It is typically found in shallow, clear waters with good water circulation. It is a relatively common species, but it can be affected by a variety of factors, including climate change, pollution, and overfishing. This species is found in the Subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, deep zone of the oceans from the lower limit of the intertidal zone (intertidal) to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth. neritic., making it a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems.
Taxonomy
The species Acropora tenuis belongs to the Class: Hexacorallia, Order: Scleractinia, and Family: Acroporidae. These classifications indicate its position in the broader biological hierarchy, highlighting its evolutionary relationships with other coral species.
Feeding
Acropora tenuis is a heterotrophic organism, meaning it relies on other organisms for its nutrition. Its feeding strategy is a fascinating combination of various methods. It obtains nutrients through a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae, single-celled algae that live within its tissues. These zooxanthellae photosynthesize and provide the coral with organic compounds, contributing to its growth. Additionally, Acropora tenuis feeds on plankton and dissolved organic matter, capturing these nutrients from the surrounding water. It also absorbs dissolved inorganic substances such as sodium chloride, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and inorganic phosphate, further supplementing its nutritional needs. This diverse feeding strategy allows Acropora tenuis to thrive in its specific marine environment, showcasing its adaptation and resilience in the complex coral reef ecosystem.
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